Overlaying wireless networks

ABSTRACT

In some implementations, a radio access provider, e.g., of a wireless telecommunications network, can receive, in a first frequency sub-band, control information of a first network. The provider can transmit, in a second sub-band, control information of a second network. The provider can transmit media information of the first network via first and second first-network channels in a third sub-band and transmit media information of the second network via a second-network channel arranged in frequency between the first and second first-network channels. In some implementations, the provider can select a first channel of the first network for first media; select a second channel of the second network for second media; select additional channels of the first network different in frequency from the second channel; and operate a first transceiver to wirelessly transmit the first media via the first channel and the additional channels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/981,109, filed Dec. 28, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wireless devices are designed to work or operate in aspecified frequency range or band with limited transmit power levels.Government agencies, e.g., the U.S. Federal Communications Commission(FCC), license specific bands to specific network operators. The FCClimits transmit power for each of the licensed bands to provide publicsafety and to reduce potential co-band and adjacent band interferencelevels.

Example licensed frequency bands include cellular telephony or PersonalCommunication Service (PCS) bands, as well as Advanced Wireless Services(AWS) bands and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) bands.Cellular communications in the U.S. typically operate in the frequencyranges of 824-849 MHz, and 869-894 MHz. Further bands include 700 MHzbands, such as Band 12. Broadband PCS communications in the U.S.typically operate in the frequency ranges of 1850-1910 MHz and 1930-1990MHz, while narrowband PCS typically operates in the frequency ranges of901-902 MHz, 930-931 MHz, and 940-941 MHz. The 4940-4990 MHz band(referred to as the 4.9 GHz licensed band) is available but isdesignated by the FCC for support of public safety. Other licensedbands, such as those supporting Third Generation (3G) wirelesscommunications, include frequency bands such as 1710-1755 MHz, 2110-2155MHz, 2305-2320 MHz, 2345-2360 MHz (Wireless Communication Services, WCSband), and 2500-2690 MHz (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Services,MMDS band).

Licensees to a licensed band usually have an exclusive right to provideservices with the band in a specified geographic area, for a definedterm and within specified times. The license is exclusive in the sensethat no other service providers are typically allowed to provideservices in the same band, in the same area and at the same time. Otherlicensed bands include, but are not limited to, a licensed bandidentified as allocated for Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WIMAX).

Many wireless networks provide communication services to multiple typesor generations of devices. For example, a cellular network may provideconnectivity to second-generation (2G) cellular devices using, e.g., theGSM standard, third-generation (3G) cellular devices using, e.g., theUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standard, orfourth-generation (4G) cellular networks using, e.g., the Long TermEvolution (LTE) standard. Within the any particular cell of such anetwork, cellular devices may be operating using multiple network typesor standards. Moreover, a particular cellular device may switch betweennetwork types in operation, e.g., due to a circuit-switched (CS)fallback operation when leaving LTE coverage during a call but stillwithin GSM coverage. Each network type may operate in a separatelicensed band in any given cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example telecommunications network, includingcomponents used to perform service-access control of a communicationsession.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for implementingservice-access control according to some implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of a radio access provider configured toselect blocks or channels from one or more frequency bands for wirelesscommunication devices.

FIG. 4 shows an example band layout for overlaid operation of twonetworks of different types within a single frequency band.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for allocating channels orcontrolling communication sessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaidnetworks, according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The use of separate bands for separate network types often results incertain frequency bands being heavily utilized and other frequency bandsbeing underutilized, depending on the mix of users present in a cell.Some example systems and techniques described herein permit makingeffective use of available network bandwidth by permitting networkbandwidth to be used for communications on multiple types of networks.Some prior schemes require separate, type-specific bands for, e.g., GSMnetworks and LTE networks. Some examples herein permit operating bothGSM and LTE, or other sets of networks of different types, within asingle band. This can provide increased throughput to the network havinghigher utilization, while still permitting communications via thenetwork having lower utilization. This permits serving users having,e.g., older wireless communication devices or devices not supportingfewer than all of the overlaid types of networks, e.g., GSM phones notcapable of communicating via LTE. As used herein, utilization, e.g., asanalyzed to determine channel allocations, can include measuredutilization, predicted utilization, or any combination or hybridthereof.

This disclosure describes, in part, a radio access provider configuredto select blocks or channels from frequency bands for wirelesscommunication devices. The radio access provider may select blocks orchannels from multiple frequency bands for at least one of the wirelesscommunication devices. Wireless communication devices, as used herein,can include communication or computing devices capable of wireless dataor voice communication, including but not limited to via example typesof networks described herein.

The terms “session” or “call” as used herein include a communicationspath for bidirectional exchange of data among two or more wirelesscommunication devices. Example sessions include voice and video calls,e.g., by which human beings converse, a data communication session,e.g., between two electronic systems or between an electronic system anda human being, or a Rich Communication Suite (RCS, also known as JOYN)session.

Example networks carrying sessions include GSM and UMTS networks. Otherexample networks include LTE networks carrying voice-over-LTE (VoLTE)sessions using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling and datanetworks, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) 802.11 (WIFI) networks carrying voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) calls or other over-the-top (OTT) sessions encapsulating, e.g.,voice or video data in a way transparent to an underlying packettransport. GSM is an example of a circuit-switched (CS) network; LTE andWIFI are examples of packet-switched (PS) networks.

As used herein, a “party” is a wireless communication device or a useremploying a wireless communication device. Sessions can include thetransfer of messages between parties. Systems and techniques herein canpermit controlling bandwidth usage and security by controlling whichcapabilities can be used on particular communication sessions. In someexamples, the control is facilitated transparently to theintercommunicating computing devices. In some examples, a radio accessprovider can receive, in a first frequency sub-band, control informationof a first network having a first type; transmit, in a second, differentfrequency sub-band, control information of a second network having asecond, different type; transmit media information of the first networkvia first and second first-network channels spaced apart in frequencywithin a third frequency sub-band; and transmit media information of thesecond network via a second-network channel arranged in frequencybetween the first and second first-network channels within the thirdfrequency sub-band. Using multiple sub-bands as described herein can,e.g., increase user-data throughput of the first network whilemaintaining functionality of the second network.

Some prior schemes use dedicated spectrum, e.g., one band per network,with no overlap. Examples herein can provide more efficient use ofbandwidth than those schemes. For example, GSM usage may decrease overtime and LTE usage may increase over time. Some examples herein canpermit automatically increasing the share of the band used by LTE as GSMdemand drops, increasing efficiency of spectrum usage.

Some prior schemes overlap an LTE secondary carrier with GSM spectrum.However, the secondary carrier may be in a different band than an LTEprimary carrier, so these schemes may require an additional transceiver,or a wider-bandwidth transceiver and antenna, in the wirelesscommunication device to access the secondary channel. An additionaltransceiver can lead to reduced RF power-amplifier efficiency and,concomitantly, increased power consumption and reduced battery life. Awider-bandwidth antenna may be larger than a narrower-bandwidth antennaof equivalent performance, e.g., if the low edge of the wider bandwidthis below the low edge of the narrower bandwidth; increased size is notdesirable for portable devices. Increasing the bandwidth of atransceiver may reduce antenna efficiency or power efficiency of RFcomponents in the transceiver, reducing battery life of the wirelesscommunication device.

Various examples herein, by contrast, permit overlapping two networks'communications within a single band so that only one transceiver isrequired in the wireless communication device, and so thatcommunications can be performed using a smaller antenna. For example, inareas with 10 MHz of PCS spectrum, e.g., the A4 and A5 bands, instead ofallocating LTE to the A4 band and GSM to the A5 band, LTE and GSM can beoverlaid on the A4 and A5 bands concurrently. Thus no spectrum is solelyreserved for GSM. Sharing spectrum between, e.g., GSM and LTE canincrease spectral efficiency by permitting use of otherwise-unusedportions of, e.g., GSM spectrum. Overlaying networks can increasethroughput of, e.g., LTE transmissions. Overlaying can make morespectrum available for other uses, e.g., public-safety communications.

Overlaying networks can also permit more readily deploying new radiotechnologies or services. For example, a new modulation technique can beoverlaid on an existing band rather than activated in a newly-assignedband. This can reduce the sometimes years-long wait to clear the band,i.e., to wait for the cessation of transmissions in the newly-assignedband by former operators or equipment in that band. Overlaying can alsopermit network equipment such as base stations or user equipment to bereprogrammed, e.g., software-defined radio (SDR) techniques, to supplyor use new services or modulation techniques without requiring hardwarechanges. Moreover, many prior base station radios only supporttransmissions in a 20 MHz-wide band. Overlaying can permit deploying newservices without the additional cost or power consumption of additionalradios for new bands. Overlaying can permit older equipment, e.g., UEs,to continue functioning even while newer technology is being deployed.Overlaying can also permit new services to take advantage of anyband-specific optimizations, e.g., in base station antenna placement ororientation.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example telecommunications network 100. Wirelesscommunication devices 102 and 104 communicate with access system 106 ofthe telecommunications network. Access system 106 can include a firstaccess network of a first type, e.g., LTE. In this example, PS accessnetwork 108 includes an eNodeB 110, e.g., a 4G base station or otheraccess point, that provides connectivity to the PS access network 108. Amobility management entity (MME) 112 of PS access network 108 carriestraffic between the PS access network 108 and a core network 114. Corenetwork 114 communicates with access system 106 and providesmedia-handling services, e.g., to route video or voice data or tomaintain continuity of the communication session during handover of acommunication session.

In this example, access system 106 includes a second access network of asecond, different type, e.g., GSM. In this example, CS access network116 includes a CS base station (BS) 118 that provides connectivity tothe CS access network 116. A mobile switching center (MSC) server (MSS)120 carries traffic between the CS access network 116 and the corenetwork 114. Each of the first access network and the second accessnetwork can be configured to selectively carry a communication sessionof wireless communication devices 102 or 104. For example, voice callscan be carried over the first access network using VoLTE and over thesecond access network using GSM. Example network types can include atleast LTE time-division duplexed, LTE frequency-division duplexed, orGSM.

In some examples, each access network 108 or 116 may include its ownradios and antennas. For example, eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118 may includerespective, different antennas, or respective, different radios.Moreover, eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118 may operate in respective, differentbands or in a common band. In some examples, eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118may share a common antenna 122. For example, eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118may be colocated at a single cell site, configured to operate in acommon band, and connected to common antenna 122 to communicate withwireless communication device 102 or 104. In some examples using commonantenna 122, a common (“twin”) tower-mounted amplifier (TMA) can be usedfor both the first network and the second network, or respective TMAscan be used. The transmit powers of the radios can be adjusted, e.g., toprovide selective regions of coverage.

In some examples, a radio access provider 124 can include at leasteNodeB 110, CS BS 118. Radio access provider 124 can include commonantenna 122 or respective antennas for eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118. Forexample, radio access provider 124 can be located at a cell site toprovide radio access and communication services in a cell area towireless communication devices using two or more different networks.Further details of radio access provider 124 are discussed below withreference to at least FIGS. 2 and 3.

The core network 114 of the telecommunications network may include anumber of nodes, omitted for brevity. For example, the core network 114may be a GPRS core network or an evolved packet core (EPC) network, ormay include elements from both types of core networks. In some examplesin which core network 114 includes an Internet Protocol (IP) MultimediaSubsystem (IMS), such nodes can include a proxy call session controlfunction (P-CSCF), a home location register (HLR)/home subscriber server(HSS), an interrogating call session control function (I-CSCF), aserving call session control function (S-CSCF), an application server(AS), e.g., a telephony AS (TAS), a presence server, or an authorizationserver such as an equipment identity register (EIR), an enhanced EIR(EEIR), a Domain Name System (DNS) server, or an E.164 Number Mapping(ENUM) server.

The telecommunications network may also include a number of devices ornodes not illustrated in FIG. 1. Such devices or nodes may include anaccess transfer control function (ATCF), an access transfer gateway(ATGW), a visitor location register (VLR), a serving general packetradio service (GPRS) support node (SGSN), a gateway GPRS support node(GGSN), a policy control rules function (PCRF) node, a serving gateway(S-GW), a session border controller (SBC), or a media gateway.

The telecommunications network may provide a variety of services towireless communication device 102, such as synchronous communicationrouting across a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Furtherservices may include call control, switching, authentication, billing,etc. Furthermore, the devices and networks of FIG. 1 may cooperate toaccomplish network overlay, e.g., as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system 200 permitting networkoverlay according to some implementations. The system 200 includeswireless communication device(s), individually or collectively referredto herein with reference 202, e.g., wireless phone(s) or otherwireless-capable computing devices. Wireless communication device 202 iscoupled to a radio access provider 204 via wireless connection 206.Wireless connection 206 can be accessed, e.g., via one or more antennas208 of wireless communication device 202 and one or more antennas 210 ofradio access provider 204. The radio access provider 204 can representradio access provider 124, FIG. 1.

The wireless connection 206 can include transmissions of one or morenetworks operated substantially simultaneously in a particular frequency(wavelength) band, such as a PS network and a CS network overlaid in a10 MHz-wide band. Example networks include LTE, WIFI, GSM Enhanced DataGSM Environment (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN), UMTS TerrestrialRadio Access Network (UTRAN), and other cellular access networks.Network overly as described herein can be performed, e.g., for 2G, 3G,4G, WIFI, or other networks.

Communications between the radio access provider 204 and computingdevices such as the wireless communication device 202 can be performedvia wide-area wireless coverage using a technology such as GSM, CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA), UMTS, LTE, or the like. Examplenetworks include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Evolution-DataOptimized (EVDO), Advanced LTE (LTE+), Generic Access Network (GAN),Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division MultipleAccess (OFDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), EDGE, AdvancedMobile Phone System (AMPS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), evolvedHSPA (HSPA+), VoIP, VoLTE, IEEE 802.1x protocols, WIMAX, WIFI, and/orany future IP-based network technology or evolution of an existingIP-based network technology. Communications between the radio accessprovider 204 and computing devices such as the wireless communicationdevice 202 can additionally or alternatively be performed using othertechnologies, such as wired (Plain Old Telephone Service, POTS, orpublic switched telephone network, PSTN, lines), optical (e.g.,Synchronous Optical NETwork, SONET) technologies, and the like. In someexamples, multiple wireless communication devices 202 can beconcurrently connected with radio access provider 204 via wirelessconnection 206. In some of these examples, each of the multiple wirelesscommunication devices 202 can be connected via one of the networks(e.g., networks 108, 116, FIG. 1).

In some examples, the radio access provider 204 includes or iscommunicatively connected with an interworking function (IWF) or otherdevice bridging networks, e.g., LTE, third-generation cellular (3G), andPOTS networks. In some examples, the radio access provider 204 canbridge Signaling System #7 (SS7) traffic from the PSTN into the wirelessconnection 206, e.g., permitting PSTN customers to place calls tocellular customers and vice versa.

The wireless communication device 202 can be or include a wireless phone(e.g., a smartphone), a wired phone, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a wristwatch, a portable digital assistant (PDA), a wearablecomputer (e.g., electronic/smart glasses, a smart watch, fitnesstrackers, etc.), a networked digital camera, or another type ofcomputing device. The wireless communication device 202 can beconfigured to be generally mobile, e.g., a smartphone, or generallystationary, e.g., a television, desktop computer, game console, set topbox, or the like. The wireless communication device 202 can include oneor more processors 212, e.g., one or more processor devices such asmicroprocessors, microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmablelogic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), programmablearray logic devices (PALs), or digital signal processors (DSPs), and oneor more computer readable media 214, such as memory (e.g., random accessmemory (RAM), solid state drives (SSDs), or the like), disk drives(e.g., platter-based hard drives), another type of computer-readablemedia, or any combination thereof. The wireless communication device 202can further include a user interface (UI) 216, e.g., including anelectronic display device 218, a speaker, a vibration unit, atouchscreen, or other devices for presenting information to a user andreceiving commands from the user. The user interface 216 can include asession-initiating user interface control 220, e.g., a touchscreenbutton, to indicate a communication session should be initiated. Theuser interface 216 or components thereof, e.g., the display 218, can beseparate from the wireless communication device 202 or integrated (e.g.,as illustrated in FIG. 1) with the wireless communication device 202.The wireless communication device 202 can further include one or moretransceiver(s) 222 configured to selectively communicate wirelessly viathe wireless connection 206, e.g., via access system 106.

The computer readable media 214 can be used to store data and to storeinstructions that are executable by the processors 212 to performvarious functions as described herein. The computer readable media 214can store various types of instructions and data, such as an operatingsystem, device drivers, etc. The processor-executable instructions canbe executed by the processors 212 to perform the various functionsdescribed herein.

The computer readable media 214 can be or include computer-readablestorage media. Computer-readable storage media include, but are notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other tangible, non-transitory medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe processors 212. Tangible computer-readable media can includevolatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin any method or technology for storage of information, such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

The computer readable media 214 can store credentials 224 used foraccess, e.g., to a GSM or LTE network. The credentials 224 can bestored, e.g., on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or on aread-only memory of wireless communication device 202. The credentials224 may include, for example, an international mobile subscriberidentity (IMSI) or international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI).

The computer readable media 214 can include processor-executableinstructions of a client application 226. The client application 226,e.g., a native or other dialer, can permit a user to originate andterminate communication sessions associated with the wirelesscommunication device 202, e.g., a wireless phone. The client application226 can additionally or alternatively include a short message service(SMS), RCS, or presence client, or a client of another telephony serviceoffered by the radio access provider 204 or the core network 114. Insome examples, the client application 226 can determine parameters ofthe wireless communication device 202 such as power or signal strength,e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIG. 3.

The radio access provider 204 can include one or more processors 228 andone or more computer readable media 230. The computer readable media 230can be used to store processor-executable instructions of first-networkmodule 232, a second-network module 234, a first-network allocator 236,referred to herein as a “scheduler,” e.g., an LTE scheduler, or asecond-network allocator 238, referred to herein as a “baseband,” e.g.,a GSM baseband or modem function. Scheduler 236 and baseband 238 can bereferred to collectively as “allocators.” The processor-executableinstructions can be executed by the processors 228 to perform variousfunctions described herein. Other modules can be present in computerreadable media 230. The use of the terms “allocator,” “scheduler,” or“baseband” does not require that any functions be performed that are notdescribed herein. For example, baseband 238 can include allocationfunctions but not coding functions.

In some examples, radio access provider 204 can communicate withwireless communication device 202 or other devices via one or morecommunications interface(s) 240, e.g., network transceivers for wired orwireless networks, or memory interfaces. Example communicationsinterface(s) 240 can include ETHERNET or FIBRE CHANNEL transceivers,WIFI radios, or DDR memory-bus controllers (e.g., for DMA transfers to anetwork card installed in a physical radio access provider 204).

In some examples, first-network module 232 can be configured to transmitor receive control or media information of a first network, e.g., PSaccess network 108. For example, first-network module 232 can beconfigured to encode or modulate transmitted data, or demodulate ordecode received data. As indicated by the dashed arrow, first-networkmodule 232 can operate or cooperate with communications interface(s) 240to perform these functions. In an example, first-network module 232 caninclude an LTE engine configured to bridge communications betweenwireless communication device 202 and an IP-based packet data networksuch as core network 114, FIG. 1.

In some examples, second-network module 234 can be configured totransmit or receive control or media information of a second network,e.g., CS access network 116. For example, second-network module 234 canbe configured to encode or modulate transmitted data, or demodulate ordecode received data. As indicated by the dashed arrow, second-networkmodule 234 can operate or cooperate with communications interface(s) 240to perform these functions. In an example, second-network module 234 caninclude a GSM engine configured to bridge circuit-switchedcommunications between wireless communication device 202 and a GSM corenetwork (omitted for brevity).

In some examples, scheduler 236 can be configured to allocate, assign,or otherwise select channels, frequency sub-bands, or otherradio-frequency (RF) resources to transmissions of the first network,e.g., network 108, FIG. 1. Scheduler 236 can divide the RF resources bytime (e.g., time-division duplexing, TDD or time-division multiplexing,TDM), frequency (e.g., frequency-division duplexing, FDD orfrequency-division multiplexing, FDM), or a combination thereof (e.g.,LTE FDD, which performs FDD within consecutive timeslots). Examples ofthe operation of scheduler 236 are discussed below, e.g., with referenceto FIGS. 3-10.

In some examples, baseband 238 can be configured to allocate, assign, orotherwise select channels, frequency sub-bands, or other radio-frequency(RF) resources to transmissions of the second network, e.g., network116, FIG. 1. Baseband 238 can divide the RF resources by time (e.g., TDDor TDM), frequency (e.g., FDD or FDM), or a combination thereof (e.g.,GSM allocation, which allocates timeslots on individual carriers).Examples of the operation of baseband 238 are discussed below, e.g.,with reference to FIGS. 3-10.

In some examples, as graphically indicated by link 242, scheduler 236can receive information from or about baseband 238. In some examples,scheduler 236 can detect signals in frequency bands of interest andselect first-network channels that do not have such signals (e.g.,first-network channels that have signal quality metrics that meetselected criteria, and likewise throughout). In some examples, baseband238 can provide scheduler 236 information of which second-networkchannels are currently in use. Scheduler 236, using the detected signalsor received information, can select first-network channels that are notused by the second network. This can reduce interference between thenetworks and maintain network performance.

In some examples, baseband 238 can detect signals in frequency bands ofinterest and select second-network channels that do not have suchsignals. For example, a GSM baseband can be configured to select trafficchannels (TCHs) from a group of channels that use frequencies which aresolely reserved for TCHs and fall back to a group of channels that sharea frequency with broadcast control channels (BCCHs) if call quality doesnot meet selected criteria (e.g., because of first-networktransmissions), or vice versa. In such configurations, link 242 caninclude bidirectional exchange, e.g., by detection of signals orbidirectional exchange of information about channel usage.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example 300 of operation of radio access provider302, which can represent radio access provider 124 or 204. For example,radio access provider 302 can be, include, or be embodied in a basestation for a wireless communications network, e.g., a cellular network.Radio access provider 302 can be configured to perform operationsdescribed herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 3-10. For example, radioaccess provider 302 can be configured to select channels, e.g., blocks,sub-bands, timeslices, or other assignable units, from one or morefrequency bands for wireless communication devices. As used herein, theterm “channel” is not restricted to the usage of the word “channel” inany particular network specification.

In some examples, radio access provider 302 can include a first radioand a second, different radio, e.g., radios of eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118,FIG. 1. The first radio and the second radio can be tuned to operatewithin a common frequency band. The first radio and the second radio canbe communicatively connected with a processor 228. In some examples,radio access provider 302 can include one or more communicationsinterface(s) 240 coupled to a processor 228 and configured to send andreceive transmissions over one or more frequency bands. In someexamples, radio access provider 302 can include one or more antennasconnected to at least the first radio or the second radio, e.g.,individual antennas of eNodeB 110 and CS BS 118, or common antenna 122,all FIG. 1.

In various implementations, the radio access provider 302 may compriseany one or more base stations, nodeBs, eNodeBs, or wireless accesspoints (e.g., WIFI access points, WIMAX access points, etc.). The radioaccess provider 302 may include components fixing the radio accessprovider 302 to a location or positioning the radio access provider 302at that location, such as components of a cell tower. The radio accessprovider 302 may also support one or more cells of varying sizes, suchas macrocells, microcells, picocells, femtocells, or other small cells,of one or more access networks of a telecommunication network. Toprovide wireless connectivity to the telecommunication network, theradio access provider 302 may be equipped with any number of components,such as radio antennas, transmitter components, receiver components,power amplifiers, combiners, duplexers, encoder components, decodercomponents, band pass filters, power sources, or control components,such as scheduler 304 or baseband 306 (discussed in greater detailbelow). The radio access provider 302 may also be or include one or morecomputing devices, such as a server or server farm, multiple,distributed server farms, a mainframe, a work station, a personalcomputer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an embedded system,or any other sort of device or devices.

As illustrated, a scheduler 304 or a baseband 306 of or associated withradio access provider 302 can allocate access to sub-bands of afrequency band 308. Scheduler 304 may represent scheduler 236, FIG. 2.Baseband 306 may represent baseband 238, FIG. 2. In the illustratedexample, frequency band 308 includes a first frequency sub-band 310, asecond frequency sub-band 312, and an Nth frequency sub-band 314. Forbrevity, references to “bands” herein may include sub-bands. Also forbrevity, allocator 316 is shown including scheduler 304 and baseband306. References to functions of allocator 316 herein refer to scheduler304, for the first network, or baseband 306, for the second network,unless otherwise expressly stated.

Each frequency band may include multiple resource blocks (alternativelyreferred to herein as “blocks” or “RBs”) or channels which may beassigned by the allocator 316 to wireless communication devices 326 fordownlink communications, uplink communications, or both. In theillustrated example, sub-bands 310-314 are divided into RBs318(1)-318(12), individually or collectively referred to herein withreference 318 (any number of RBs 318 can be used). In sub-band 308, asshown in FIG. 3, time increases down the page and frequency increasesfrom left to right. The illustrated example frequency sub-band 308 isdivided into RBs 318 in both the time and frequency dimensions.Allocator 316 can select channels, e.g., blocks or subcarriers, based atleast in part on, e.g., based on any or all of service priorities,signal quality metrics, power capacities, available unlicensed channels,or cross-correlations. In some example, reference symbols, controlinformation, or media information (e.g., voice-call data) can bedistributed throughout each RB 318 or sub-band 310-314 in a regularpattern.

In some examples, an RB is an LTE physical resource block (PRB), 12subcarriers wide and one slot (0.5 ms; 7 OFDMA symbols) in duration. LTEPRBs are arranged into subframes, pairs of consecutive slots, andframes, sequences of 10 consecutive subframes. FIG. 3 shows, in solidlines, an example regular pattern of LTE RBs, including RBs 318(1) and318(2) in first frequency sub-band 310, 318(3)-318(5) in secondfrequency sub-band 312, and 318(6)-318(9) in Nth frequency sub-band 314.

In some examples, an RB is a GSM subcarrier, frame, or timeslot. GSMsubcarriers are spaced 200 kHz apart, and each timeslot has a durationof 0.5765 ms. A frame of eight timeslots has a duration of 4.615 ms. Onetimeslot per frame provides at least 9.6 kbit/s of data, sufficient fora voice call. FIG. 3 shows, in short-dashed lines, an example regularpattern of GSM RBs, including RBs 318(10) and 318(11) in secondfrequency sub-band 312, and 318(12) in Nth frequency sub-band 314.

In the illustrated example of second frequency sub-band 312, GSM RBs 318share bounds with LTE RBs 318. For example, LTE RB 318(3) and GSM RB318(10) share the same upper frequency (right edge) and start time (topedge). In the illustrated example of Nth frequency sub-band 314, GSM RBs318 do not share bounds with LTE RBs 318. First-network RBs 318 canshare none, some, or all bounds (e.g., in time or frequency) withsecond-network RBs 318.

In some examples, the radio access provider 302 may transmit and receiveover multiple frequency bands. Examples of such frequency bands mayinclude a licensed frequency band, an unlicensed frequency band, asemi-licensed frequency band, an overlapped frequency band, a cellularfrequency band, an AWS frequency band, a 700 MHz frequency band (e.g.,band 12), an 800 MHz frequency band, a 900 MHz frequency band, a PCSfrequency band, an 1800 MHz frequency band, a 1900 MHz frequency band, a4.9 GHz frequency band, a GSM frequency band, a 2.4 GHz frequency band,a 5.0 GHz frequency band, a 5.8 GHz frequency band, a 3.65 GHz frequencyband, a UWB frequency band, a frequency band in a range from 3.1-10.6GHz, a 3G frequency band, a WCS frequency band, a MMDS frequency band,or a WIMAX frequency band. The frequency band 308 may each be any of theexample frequency bands. In an example, e.g., of operation in a 1900 MHzfrequency band, a 10 MHz band allocation (e.g., 10 MHz each for uplinkand downlink) can be shared by two overlaid networks, rather thandivided into two 5 MHz allocations for individual networks.

In some examples, allocator 316 can, e.g., receive signal qualitymetrics 320 for the frequency sub-bands 310-314, e.g., by measuringsignals or by receiving information as discussed above with reference tolink 242, FIG. 2. Further, allocator 316 may receive indications oftransmission capacities 322 and available channels 324. The signalquality metrics 320, transmission capacities 322, and available channels324 may be received from wireless communication devices 326, and servicepriorities may be associated with active applications of the wirelesscommunication devices 326. Further, the allocator 316 may also receiveservice priorities for uplink traffic from the wireless communicationdevices 326. The allocator 316 may select blocks or channels of thefrequency sub-bands 310-314 for the wireless communication devices 326.For example, the allocator 316 may select two blocks from the firstfrequency sub-band 310 and one block from the second frequency sub-band312 for a wireless communication device 328, e.g., an LTE phone, and twoblocks for a wireless communication device 330, e.g., a GSM phone,including one block from each of the second frequency sub-band 312 andthe Nth frequency sub-band 314. References herein to wirelesscommunication device 326 can include wireless communication devices 328or 330 unless expressly indicated otherwise.

In some examples, the wireless communication devices 326 may beconfigured to determine, e.g., on a periodic basis, a list of blocks,channels, or frequency sub-bands by, for instance, receiving referencesignals over those frequency sub-bands from the radio access provider302. For each of these blocks, channels, or signals, the wirelesscommunication devices 326 may determine a signal quality metric 320 andmay compare the determined signal quality metrics to one or morethresholds. The wireless communication devices 326 may then notify, viaan uplink connection, the radio access provider 302 of those blocks,channels, or frequency sub-bands which meet or exceed the threshold(s)and may provide the signal quality metrics 320 associated with thoseblocks, channels, or frequency sub-bands to the radio access provider302. The wireless communication devices 326 may also calculate averagesor medians of the signal quality metrics 320 of the available frequencysub-bands and may report the averages or medians to the radio accessprovider 302.

In some implementations, the wireless communication devices 326 may alsotake into account their own available power resources and power demandsassociated with transmission over different frequency sub-bands. Thewireless communication devices 326 may receive indications of the powerdemands from the radio access provider 302 or from a previous radioaccess provider, which may in turn receive the power demands from thetelecommunication network. Alternatively, the wireless communicationdevices 326 may be configured to attempt transmission on variousfrequency sub-bands and to record power demands associated with thosetransmissions. The wireless communication devices 326 may also receiveor retrieve power metric from, e.g., power monitors. The power metricsmay be indicative of power available to the wireless communicationdevices 326. Using its power metric and power demands, a wirelesscommunication device 326 can determine a subset of the availablefrequency sub-bands (e.g., those frequency sub-bands with signal qualitymetrics 320 meeting or exceeding a threshold). For example, frequencysub-bands 310-314 may each be available, but the wireless communicationdevice 328 may not have sufficient power to transmit over the Nthfrequency sub-band 314. In such an example, the wireless communicationdevice 328 may determine a subset including the frequency sub-bands310-312 and may indicate to the radio access provider 302 that frequencysub-bands 310-312 are available. In another example, the wirelesscommunication device 328 may have power to transmit over any two of thefrequency sub-bands 310-314, but not all three. In such an example, thewireless communication device 328 may indicate the alternative subsetsto the radio access provider as the transmission capacities 322.

Alternatively, the wireless communication devices 326 may rely on theradio access provider 302 to consider the power available to thewireless communication device 326 and may each provide its power metricand, optionally, power demands, to the radio access provider astransmission capacities 322. The radio access provider 302 may then usethose transmission capacities and signal quality metrics 320 todetermine the frequency sub-bands available to the wirelesscommunication devices 326.

In various implementations, upon receiving any or all of the servicepriorities, the signal quality metrics 320, the transmission capacities322, or the available channels 324, the radio access provider 302 mayprovide that information to its allocator 316 to select blocks orchannels from one or more of the frequency sub-bands 310-314 for radiocommunication links with the wireless communication devices 326. Theallocator 316 may repeat selecting blocks or channels at eachtransmission time interval (TTI) and may select blocks or channels forboth uplink and downlink communications. The allocator 316 maycoordinate selection with other radio access providers 302 within radiorange to reduce contention or interference between radio accessproviders 302. The allocator 316 may select blocks or channels fordownlink communications with wireless communication devices 326 beforeselecting any blocks or channels for uplink communications or may selectblocks or channels for both uplink and downlink communications with awireless communication device 326 before selecting blocks or channelsfor another wireless communication device 326. The allocator 316 mayselect blocks or channels, e.g., using a round-robin schedulingalgorithm, or using scheduling algorithm(s) that give priority toparticular wireless communication device(s) 326, e.g., based on thesignal quality metrics 320, the transmission capacities 322, theavailable UE power, or the available channels 324 meeting selectedcriteria. For example, higher priority may be given to wirelesscommunication devices 326 with the highest signal quality metrics 320,since those users are likely to be near towers and expect effective,high-speed service, and also to wireless communication devices 326 withthe highest signal quality metrics 320, since those users are likely tobe near the edge of cell coverage and need additional channels tomaintain communications.

In FIG. 3, the allocator 316, e.g., the scheduler 304, selects RBs318(1) and 318(2) from the first frequency sub-band 310, and RB 318(3)from the second frequency sub-band 312, for a wireless communicationdevice 328, e.g., an LTE phone. The allocator 316, e.g., the baseband306, selects RB 318(11) from the second frequency sub-band 312 and RB318(12) from the Nth frequency sub-band 314 for a wireless communicationdevice 330, e.g., a GSM phone. Selections of RBs are graphicallyrepresented by circles.

In the illustrated example, first frequency sub-band 310 is dedicated tothe first network (solid grid). Allocator 316 can assign RBs 318 withinfirst frequency sub-band 310 without concern for interference from thesecond network. However, second frequency sub-band 312 and Nth frequencysub-band 314 are shared between the first network (solid grid) and thesecond network (short-dashed grid). For example, first-networktransmissions in RB 318(3) can appear as interference in second-networkRB 318(10). In another example, first-network transmissions in RB 318(4)can appear as interference in second-network RB 318(11). In stillanother example, second-network transmissions in RB 318(11) can appearas interference in second-network RBs 318(4) and 318(5). In yet anotherexample, second-network transmissions in RB 318(12) can appear asinterference in second-network RBs 318(6)-318(9). The allocator 316 forone of the networks, e.g., scheduler 304 or baseband 306, can detect orreceive information about usage of the other one of the networks, andautomatically select, e.g., unoccupied channels or channels with lowinstantaneous usage or low usage over time.

In some examples, at each new TTI, the allocator 316 may first group thewireless communication devices 326 by service priority and may selectblocks or channels for radio communication links with all wirelesscommunication devices 326 of a given service priority (e.g., a higherservice priority) before selecting blocks or channels for radiocommunication links with any wireless communication devices 326 of otherservice priorities (e.g., lower service priorities). Within each servicepriority group, the allocator 316 may order the wireless communicationdevices 326 within that group based on average or media signal qualitymetrics 320. For example, if the signal quality metrics 320 for awireless communication device 326 include channel quality indicators(CQIs), e.g., from 1-15, for three frequency sub-bands, the allocator316 may calculate an average or median of those CQI (or, as discussedabove, the allocator 316 may receive the average/median from thewireless communication device 326). The allocator 316 may order thewireless communication devices 326 from a wireless communication device326 with a weakest average or median signal quality metric to a wirelesscommunication device 326 with a strongest average or median signalquality metric. The allocator 316 may then select blocks or channels forwireless communication devices 326 based on that order.

When selecting blocks or channels for a wireless communication device326, the allocator 316 may utilize a cost-function which takes intoaccount the available, unassigned blocks or channels, frequencysub-bands available to wireless communication device 326, as well ascoding and modulation, transmission modes, transmission scenarios (e.g.,multiband multiplexing, frequency diversity, frequency hopping, bandhopping and a variety of combinations of these and other transmissionscenarios), cross-correlation scores, and any guaranteed bit rate,quality-of-service (QoS), delay, or jitter requirements for the activeapplication or user of the wireless communication device 326. Utilizingthis information, the allocator 316 may select blocks or channels from asingle frequency band (or sub-band, and likewise throughout thisparagraph) or from multiple frequency bands. If multiple frequencybands, the multiple frequency bands may include frequency bands withhigh path loss and low path loss or both licensed and unlicensedfrequency bands. In some examples, allocator 316 can use agradient-descent algorithm to determine frequency assignments thatmathematically minimize the cost function for some or all wirelesscommunication devices 326 connected to radio access provider 302.

The cost function can additionally or alternatively consider usage bywireless communication devices 326 operating on two or more differenttypes of networks. For example, the cost function can assign a high costto simultaneous or near-simultaneous usage of a particular frequencysub-band by both LTE and GSM. The cost function can additionally oralternatively consider interactions between two or more different typesof networks. For example, the cost function can assign a high orinfinite cost to data transmissions that overlap control transmissions.For example, an infinite cost may be assigned to GSM transmissionsoverlapping the LTE physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). This willcause GSM transmissions to be assigned to blocks that do not overlap thePUCCH, e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIG. 4. Similarly, ahigh cost may be assigned to LTE transmissions that overlap the GSMbroadcast control channel (BCCH). This will tend to result in LTEtransmissions being assigned to blocks that do not overlap the BCCH,e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIG. 4, unless alternativeassignments are higher cost.

The cost function can additionally or alternatively consider proximityof usage of different networks. For example, the cost function canassign a cost to each pair of a first-network channel and asecond-network channel, and the cost can be inversely proportional tothe distance between the channels in frequency space. This will tend toresult in first-network channels being spaced apart from second-networkchannels. This will also permit interspersing first-network channels andsecond-network channels within a band, improving efficiency of usage ofthat band compared to allocating separate, spaced-apart bands for eachnetwork.

In various implementations, the allocator 316 may receiveidentifications of multiple alternative subsets of available frequencybands or sub-bands for a wireless communication device 326 (e.g., in theform of transmission capacities 322). Alternatively, the allocator 316(or another component of the radio access provider 302) may utilize anypower metric, power demands, and signal quality metrics 320 for awireless communication device 326 to determine multiple alternativesubsets. The allocator 316 may then utilize these received or determinedmultiple alternative subsets with the cost function and the otherabove-mentioned inputs to the cost function to select blocks or channelsfor a wireless communication device 326. The allocator 316 may utilizethe alternative subsets when selecting blocks or channels for uplinkcommunication with the wireless communication device 326. Because powermay not be as much of a concern for downlink communications, morefrequency bands or sub-bands may be available for downlinkcommunications than for uplink communications.

In further embodiments, the allocator 316 may further utilize theidentifications of available channels 324 for a wireless communicationdevice 326 and select some or all of these channels for uplinkcommunication with the wireless communication device 326. Based on theselected channels, the radio access provider 302 may utilizebeam-forming for receiving (or transmitting if used for downlink)communications over that/those selected channel(s). The allocator 316 orother radio access provider component may also determine a transmitpower to be used for the selected channel(s) and notify the wirelesscommunication device 326 of both the selection of the channel(s) and thedetermined transmit power. Also, in some implementations, the allocator316 may select a group of the channel(s) for the uplink communicationand both the radio access provider 302 and the wireless communicationdevice 326 may perform channel hopping among the selected group ofchannels in either a pre-set or random hopping pattern. Also, in someimplementations, the allocator 316 may select a same channel or channelsfor both uplink and downlink communication with a wireless communicationdevice 326.

FIG. 4 shows an example band layout 400 for operation of both a firstnetwork having a first type and a second network having a second,different type within a single, common band 402. The illustrated exampleshows the first type being an LTE type and the second type being a GSMtype, but other network types or combinations of network types can beused. Moreover, two separate networks of the same type can be overlaidin a band using techniques herein.

Illustrated are, for the first network 404, LTE uplink plan 406 and LTEdownlink plan 408; and for the second network 410, GSM uplink/downlinkplan 412. In the plans, “G” denotes a guard band and “FREE” denotesspace unused in that plan. In plan 406, the uplink includes a physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) 414 carrying, e.g., call setup signaling,user data, and control signaling data.

In the illustrated example, plans 406, 408, and 412 are shown asoverlapping within band 402. In some examples, uplink and downlink bandsare separate, paired bands. For example, LTE band 12 places uplinkbetween 698 MHz and 716 MHz, and downlink between 728 MHz and 746 MHz.Some examples herein can be used with any combination of single bands(e.g., for LTE TDD) or paired bands (e.g., Band 12 or other LTE FDDbands). As such, nothing in the illustrated configuration limits thewidth or configuration (single/paired) of bands that can be used withexample techniques herein.

In the illustrated example, a radio access provider such as radio accessprovider 302, FIG. 3, can receive control information of first network404 in a first frequency sub-band 416. In the illustrated example of anLTE first network 404, radio access provider 302 can receive the controlinformation via a PUCCH 418 or a random-access channel (RACH) 420. Inthe illustrated example, PUCCH 418 includes two portions spaced apart infrequency. In some examples, second frequency sub-band 422 is arrangedcloser to the center of band 402 than first frequency sub-band 416.

In the illustrated example, radio access provider 302 can transmitcontrol information of second network 410, in a second frequencysub-band 422 different from the first frequency sub-band 416. In theillustrated example of a GSM second network 410, radio access provider302 can transmit the control information via a BCCH 424. In someexamples, the sub-bands can include multiple connected or disjointsections. In the illustrated example, second frequency sub-band 422includes two disjoint sections, one towards the low-frequency end ofband 402 and one towards the high-frequency end of band 402.

In the illustrated example, radio access provider 302 can transmit mediainformation of the first network via a first first-network channel 426and a second first-network channel 428. The media information caninclude, e.g., data of voice or video sessions, SMS messages, or otherPS or CS transmissions, e.g., of user-provided content of a session. Thechannels 426 and 428 can be spaced apart in frequency within a thirdfrequency sub-band 430. In the illustrated example of an LTE firstnetwork 404, radio access provider 302 can transmit the mediainformation via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) 432. Thespecific illustrated locations of channels 426 and 428 are for purposesof explanation and are not limiting. In some examples, the thirdfrequency sub-band 430 can be disjoint from, i.e., can benon-overlapping with, the second frequency sub-band 422.

In the illustrated example, radio access provider 302 can transmit mediainformation of the second network via a second-network channel 434.Second-network channel 434 can be arranged in frequency between thefirst and second first-network channels within the third frequencysub-band 430. In the illustrated example of a GSM second network 410,radio access provider 302 can transmit the media information via atraffic channel (TCH) 436. The specific illustrated location of channel434 is for purposes of explanation and is not limiting. In someexamples, allocator 316, e.g., baseband 238, can limit the totalbandwidth allocation of the second network to a specific value, e.g.,600 kHz spread across a 10 MHz band.

In this example, scheduler 304 can assign LTE PRBs corresponding tofirst-network channels 426 and 428 to LTE transmissions from radioaccess provider 302, e.g., an LTE eNodeB 110. Scheduler 304 can block,or leave unassigned, LTE PRBs corresponding to second-network channel434. This can permit the first network and the second network to operatesimultaneously in a single band 402 without interference.

In the illustrated example, radio access provider 302 can transmit mediainformation of the first network via a third first-network channel 438.The third first-network channel 438 can be arranged within the thirdfrequency sub-band 430 and can be different from the first and secondfirst-network channels 426, 428. For example, radio access provider 302can perform frequency hopping, e.g., as specified by the LTE standards.This can improve resistance to multipath fading and otherfrequency-dependent losses, improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) orcapacity.

In some examples, radio access provider 302 can transmit referencesignals within at least plans 408 or 412. In the illustrated example,radio access provider 302 transmits two LTE reference symbols 440 and442 in the third frequency sub-band 430 (e.g., including PDSCH 432). Inthe illustrated example, reference symbols 440 and 442 overlap infrequency with second-network channel 434. Therefore, reference symbols440 and 442 may appear as noise or other interference with transmissionsin second-network channel 434. In some examples, as discussed below,radio access provider 302 can reduce the transmission power of referencesymbols 440 or 442. This can provide improved performance of secondnetwork 410, e.g., a reduced dropped-call rate of second network 410.

In some examples, the first-network channels 426, 428, or 438, or thesecond-network channel 434, can include (or correspond to, or berepresented or defined by, and likewise throughout) respective carriersor subcarriers. For example, in an LTE network, subcarriers are spaced15 kHz apart. First first-network channel 426 can therefore include,e.g., a first subcarrier frequency 444±7.5 kHz. In another example ofLTE, the first-network channels 426, 428, or 438 can include respectiveresource blocks, each resource block including twelve adjacent subchannels.

In some examples, a second second-network channel 446 at least partlyoverlaps in frequency with second first-network channel 428. The overlapis graphically represented by the crosshatched bar between plans 408 and412. As used herein, a “conflict channel” is a channel at least partlyoverlapping in frequency with another channel. In this example, secondfirst-network channel 428 is a conflict channel. In some examples, asdiscussed below, radio access provider 302 can discontinue use of theconflict channel, e.g., second first-network channel 428. This canpermit maintaining signal quality and usability of the second networkcorresponding to plan 412.

In the illustrated example, a fourth frequency sub-band 448 of the firstnetwork overlaps at least partly with second frequency sub-band 422 ofthe second network, e.g., used for transmitting control information ofthe second network. In the illustrated example, fourth frequencysub-band 448 includes seven physical resource blocks 450 (“7 PRBs”) inat least LTE uplink plan 406 or LTE downlink plan 408. In some examples,radio access provider 302 can assign fourth frequency sub-band 448 inplans 406 or 408 as a selective-use sub-band. For example, as describedbelow, radio access provider 302 can use fourth frequency sub-band 448in time or frequency slots not occupied by transmissions in secondfrequency sub-band 422.

In some examples, bandwidth allocated for the control channel can alsobe used for data transmissions. For example, in a GSM network, the BCCH424 in second frequency sub-band 422 can carry media as well as controlinformation. In some examples, the second-network channel is located inthe second frequency sub-band 422, as graphically represented bysecond-network channel 452. In situations having low traffic on thesecond network, e.g., low GSM traffic, TCH 436 or a correspondingallocation in third frequency sub-band 430 for the second network can bedisabled to permit the first network to use the third frequency sub-band430 without interference from the second network.

In some examples, radio access provider 302 can adjust channelallocations based on utilization. For example, radio access provider 302can allocate more channels (e.g., LTE PRBs) to the first network whenthe first network is more heavily loaded than the second network, andallocate more channels to the second network when the second network ismore heavily loaded than the first network.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks, e.g., overlaid networks. Process 500, andlikewise processes shown in FIGS. 6-10, can be performed, e.g., by aradio access provider, e.g., radio access provider 204 or 302,communicatively connectable with wireless communication devices, e.g.,wireless communication device 202, of a telecommunications network 100.In some examples, the radio access provider 302 includes one or moreprocessors (e.g., processor 228) configured to perform operationsdescribed below, e.g., in response to computer program instructions ofthe first-network module 232, the second-network module 234, thescheduler 236, or the baseband 238. Operations shown in FIGS. 5-10,discussed below, can be performed in any order except when otherwisespecified, or when data from an earlier step is used in a later step.For clarity of explanation, reference is herein made to variouscomponents shown in FIGS. 1-3 that can carry out or participate in thesteps of the exemplary method, and to various channels, bands, and plansshown in FIG. 4. It should be noted, however, that other components canbe used; that is, exemplary method(s) shown in FIGS. 5-10 are notlimited to being carried out by the identified components, and are notlimited to using the identified channels, bands, plans, or networktypes.

At 502, the radio access provider 204 can receive, in a first frequencysub-band 416, control information of a first network having a firsttype. For example, the first type can be an LTE type. In an example, theradio access provider 204 receives the control information in a PUCCH418 or an RACH 420.

At 504, the radio access provider 204 can transmit, in a second,different frequency sub-band 422, control information of a secondnetwork having a second, different type. For example, the second typecan be a GSM type. In an example, the radio access provider 204transmits the control information in a BCCH 424.

In some examples, radio access provider 204 can assign the firstfrequency sub-band 416 or the second frequency sub-band 422 usingoverdimensioning, e.g., PUCCH 418 overdimensioning. Overdimensioning caninclude allocating first-network uplink control channels, e.g., PUCCH418 or RACH 420, towards the center of band 402 or away from the edgesof band 402 to avoid overlap with the spectrum allocated tosecond-network control channels such as the GSM BCCH 424. This canreduce uplink interference between the first and second networks. In theexample of FIG. 4, PUCCH 418 is placed in band 402 to avoid any overlapwith BCCH 424. In other examples, PUCCH 418 can be placed in band 402 tooverlap partially with BCCH 424. In the LTE example of FIG. 4, the sizeof PUSCH 414 is reduced as PUCCH 418 is further overdimensioned (movedcloser to the center of band 402). In some examples, the number of LTEphysical resource blocks allowed on PUSCH 414 for each UE can beadjusted to balance bandwidth usage and performance of the LTE network.

In some examples, overdimensioning can permit increased cellular servicerange. For example, where Additional Maximum Power Reduction (A-MPR)restrictions apply, wireless communication device 202 is required toreduce the output power at the band edges to reduce interference inneighboring frequency bands. Moving PUCCH 418 away from edges of band402, and thus away from neighboring bands, permits increasing transmitpower of PUCCH 418 signals at the wireless communication device 202.This can increase the range at which radio access provider 204 candetect the wireless communication device 202, and thus increase theservice area.

In some examples, radio access provider 204 can assign at least thefirst frequency sub-band 416, the second frequency sub-band 422, or thethird frequency sub-band 430 using blocking, e.g., of PUSCH 414 or PDSCH432 with respect to the control information of the second network. Forexample, radio access provider 204 can assign frequencies to avoid,e.g., allocation of LTE PRBs to PUSCH 414 and PDSCH 432 in sub-bandsused by, e.g., the GSM BCCH 424. This can reduce interference to thesecond network and can reduce the dropped-call rate (DCR) on the secondnetwork. In some examples, blocking can further include deactivatinginter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) or other forms ofcoordination between two radio access providers 204 serving nearby areasin the first-network uplink and downlink. This can permit radio accessprovider 204 to individually determine which channels it uses, andtherefore to separate first- and second-network control information inthe frequency domain.

In some examples, at 502, before receiving the control information ofthe first network, radio access provider 204 can allocate the controlinformation of the first network to a particular sub-band. For example,radio access provider 204 can overdimension, block, or adjust the numberof uplink channels (e.g., PUCCHs 418) available for use by the firstnetwork.

In some examples, at 504, radio access provider 204 can additionally oralternatively receive media information of the second network in thesecond frequency sub-band 422. For example, receiving first-networkcontrol information in first frequency sub-band 416, and receivingsecond-network media information in second, different frequency sub-band422, can reduce or prevent interference between the first-networkcontrol information and the second-network media information. In someexamples, such as a paired configuration similar to that shown in FIG.4, uplink traffic can be separated in frequency from downlink trafficfor the first network, the second network, or both. In some of theseexamples, allocator 316 can assign channels to reduce interference atleast between first-network uplink and second-network uplink, or betweenfirst-network downlink and second-network downlink.

At 506, radio access provider 204 can transmit media information of thefirst network via first and second first-network channels 426 or 428spaced apart in frequency within a third frequency sub-band 430. Forexample, radio access provider 204 can transmit the media informationvia a PDSCH 432. In some examples, e.g., as discussed above withreference to FIG. 4, the third frequency sub-band 430 can be disjointfrom the second frequency sub-band 422. This can provide improvedrobustness against call drops on the second network.

In some examples, at 506, before transmitting the media information ofthe first network, radio access provider 204 can assign channels 426,428, or 434, e.g., using random start point scheduling orfrequency-selective scheduling. Examples of these techniques arediscussed below with reference to FIG. 6. Frequency-selective schedulingcan be performed, e.g., as described in 3GPP TS 36.101 v11.0.0(2012-03), § 9.3.

At 508, radio access provider 204 can transmit media information of thesecond network via a second-network channel 434 arranged in frequencybetween the first and second first-network channels 426 and 428 withinthe third frequency sub-band 430. For example, radio access provider 204can transmit the media information via a TCH 436.

In some examples, first-network transmissions or receptions such asthose described herein with reference to blocks 502 or 506 can employInterference Rejection Combining (IRC). IRC can include determiningcorrelations in the spatial domain (e.g., between antennas) or in thefrequency domain to suppress interfering signals from other cells orin-band external interferers. Using IRC can increase first-networkcapacity, e.g., by suppressing undesirable inter-cell interference inuplink. IRC can be performed, e.g., as described in 3GPP TR 36.829v11.0.0 (2012-03).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for controlling communicationsessions performed, e.g., by the radio access provider 204 or 302. Block506 can be as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. Block 506 canfollow at least blocks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610. Block 506 can befollowed by block 612. Blocks 604, 608, or 610 can be followed by block506. In some examples (omitted for brevity), any of the following can beperformed independently of the others: block 602, block 604, the groupof blocks 606 and 608, or block 610.

At 602, radio access provider 204 can select the first first-networkchannel 426 randomly (or pseudorandomly, and likewise throughout) from aplurality of candidate channels of the first network. For example, radioaccess provider 204 can use random start point frequency scheduling tochoose from among the candidate channels. The candidate channels caninclude, e.g., LTE PRBs in or spread throughout the PDSCH 432.

At 604, radio access provider 204 can select, as the first first-networkchannel 426, one of a plurality of candidate channels most different infrequency from the second-network channel 434. In some examples,channels of the first network and the second network can be spreadthroughout the third frequency sub-band 430, e.g., PDSCH 432 and TCHes436. Channels of the first network and the second network can beinterspersed or grouped. Selecting the first first-network channel 426as in block 604 can provide separation between first-network users andsecond-network users, permitting wider channels to be used withoutinterference. Selecting channels 426 or 428 away from second sub-band422, e.g., using blocking as described above, can reduce interference bythe first network in the second network. In some examples, scheduler 236can be configured to select first-network channels such as firstfirst-network channel 426 preferentially near one end of a frequencyband or sub-band, and baseband 238 can be configured to selectsecond-network channels such as second-network channel 434preferentially near an opposite end of the frequency band or sub-band.For example, in FIG. 4, scheduler 236 can select first-network channelsfrom available channels near the low-frequency (left) end of thirdsub-band 430, using higher-frequency channels only when lower-frequencychannels are occupied or otherwise unavailable. Similarly, baseband 238can select second-network channels from available channels near thehigh-frequency (right) end of third sub-band 430, using lower-frequencychannels only when higher-frequency channels are occupied or otherwiseunavailable. This can reduce the probability of interference or conflictbetween first-network channels and second-network channels.

At 606, radio access provider 204 can determine respective channelquality values for individual candidate first-network channels based atleast in part on second-network usage data of the candidatefirst-network channels. In some examples, block 606 can includereceiving a device-specific channel quality value from a wirelesscommunication device of the first network, e.g., as described above withreference to FIG. 3. Block 606 can further include determining at leastone of the channel quality values further based on the device-specificchannel quality value. Block 606 can be followed by block 608.

At 608, radio access provider 204 can select the first first-networkchannel from the candidate first-network channels based at least in parton the channel quality values. For example, frequency-selectivescheduling can be performed as described herein. Channels that havesecond-network transmissions can have lower signal-quality values fromthe standpoint of the first network, so selecting the firstfirst-network channel based at least in part on the channel qualityvalues can assign first-network channels away from second-networkchannels already in use, reducing interference between the first andsecond networks.

At 610, radio access provider 204 can select, as the secondfirst-network channel, one of a plurality of candidate channels closestto the first first-network channel and having a signal-quality valuemeeting a selected criterion. The signal-quality value can include,e.g., an SNR or a CQI. For example, radio access provider 204 can selectfirst-network channels moving away from the first first-network channel426, higher or lower in frequency, or symmetrically in frequency,selecting channels that have sufficient signal quality. This canmaintain first-network transmissions nearby in frequency space, reducingfragmentation of the allocations while still providing space forsecond-network transmissions.

At 612, radio access provider 204 can, after transmitting the mediainformation of the first network via the first and second first-networkchannels, transmit second media information of the first network via athird first-network channel within the third frequency sub-banddifferent from the first and second first-network channels. For example,LTE frequency hopping can be performed to reduce packet loss due tomultipath fading.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks performed, e.g., by radio access provider204 or 302. Blocks 702 and 704 can be executed at any time during theexecution of processes 500 or 600.

At 702, radio access provider 204 can detect interference intransmissions of the second network. The interference can be, e.g., inuplink or downlink. For example, transmissions of the first network canbe interference in transmissions of the second network. Radio accessprovider 204 can detect interference by measuring channels of the secondnetwork or by comparing data of assigned first-network channels to dataof available or assigned second-network channels.

At 704, radio access provider 204 can, in response to interferencedetected in block 702, reduce a reference-signal power of the firstnetwork. For example, LTE networks transmit reference symbols in apattern throughout LTE transmission times. The transmit power of thesereference symbols can be reduced. This can, in turn, reduce the DCR onthe second network.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks performed, e.g., by radio access provider204 or 302.

At 802, radio access provider 204 can select a first channel of a firstnetwork of a first type, e.g., an LTE network, for first mediainformation. For example, the channel can be selected randomly, e.g., asdiscussed above with reference to block 602.

In some examples, at 602, 604, or 802, radio access provider 204 canselect the first channel of the first network as a lowest-frequencycandidate channel or a highest-frequency candidate channel. This canleave room in the middle of the third frequency sub-band 430 forsecond-network channels.

At 804, radio access provider 204 can select a second channel of asecond network of a second type, e.g., a GSM network, for second mediainformation. For example, the second channel can be disjoint infrequency from the first channel.

In some examples, at 804, radio access provider 204 can select the firstchannel and the second channel according to whether or not paired bandsare in use. In a paired-band configuration, uplink and downlink can beseparated by the pairing. In some examples, as discussed above withreference to block 504, radio access provider 204 can select the firstchannel and the second channel to reduce interference at least betweenfirst-network uplink and second-network uplink, or between first-networkdownlink and second-network downlink.

At 806, radio access provider 204 can select one or more additionalchannels of the first network for the first media information. Each ofthe additional channels can be different in frequency from the secondchannel. Radio access provider 204 can select additional channel(s)using techniques described herein for selecting first first-networkchannel 426 or second first-network channel 428.

In some examples, at 802 or 806, radio access provider 204 can selectfirst-network channels using frequency-selective scheduling. Forexample, channels can be selected that have channel quality valuesindicating they are available. In some examples, channels having noisebelow a selected threshold, or SNR above a selected threshold, can beselected. In some examples, thresholds for noise or SNR can be adjusteddepending on load. For example, the noise threshold may be increased, orthe SNR threshold decreased, as second-network utilization increases. Insome examples, channels not in use by the second network can beselected, or channels not in use by the second network can be selectedonly when first-network utilization rises above a selected threshold.These and other examples can permit maintaining performance of the firstnetwork simultaneously with maintaining functionality of the secondnetwork.

At 808, radio access provider 204, e.g., under control of first-networkmodule 232, can operate a first transceiver to wirelessly transmit thefirst media information via the first channel and the one or moreadditional channels.

In the examples described herein, including examples described withreference to FIGS. 5-10, unless otherwise specified, individual items,e.g., physical items or data items, can be provided or operated on byany combination of the described operations. For example, block 808 canbe performed with respect to all of the one or more additional channelsprovided by block 806, or with respect to fewer than all of the one ormore additional channels provided by block 806. Similarly, any operationdescribed herein can produce data not consumed by a subsequentoperation.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process 900 for controlling communicationsessions on multiple networks performed, e.g., by radio access provider204 or 302. Blocks 802, 804, 806, and 808 can be as described above withreference to FIG. 8.

At 902, radio access provider 204, e.g., under control of allocator 316,can select the first channel randomly from a plurality of candidatechannels of the first network. This can be done, e.g., as describedabove with reference to block 602. Block 902 can be an example of block802.

At 904, radio access provider 204, e.g., under control of second-networkmodule 234, can operate a second transceiver different from the firsttransceiver to wirelessly transmit the second media information via thesecond channel. As indicated by the arrows, transmissions directed byblock 904 can be performed before, after, or in parallel with (e.g.,simultaneously or time-interleaved with) transmissions directed by block808.

At 906, radio access provider 204 can select a third channel of thesecond network, the third channel different in frequency from the secondchannel and at least partly overlapping in frequency with a conflictchannel of the additional channels. For example, as GSM utilizationincreases, overlapping channels can be selected to maintain performanceof the GSM network. Block 906 can be followed by block 908.

At 908, radio access provider 204, e.g., under control of first-networkmodule 232, can operate the first transceiver to wirelessly transmit thefirst media information via the first channel and the one or moreadditional channels except for the conflict channel. In this way,functionality of the first network can be maintained even assecond-network utilization rises.

At 910, radio access provider 204 can transmit, in a first controlchannel, control information of the first network. Block 910 can followblock 808, 904, or 906; those arrows are omitted for brevity. Block 910can be followed by block 912.

At 912, radio access provider 204 can receive, in a second controlchannel different from the first control channel, control information ofthe second network. For example, the control channels can be selectedusing overdimensioning as described above.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 1000 for controllingcommunication sessions on multiple networks performed, e.g., by radioaccess provider 204 or 302. In some examples, radio access provider 204can include a first radio and a second, different radio. The first radioand the second radio can be tuned to operate within a common frequencyband. One or more antennas can be connected to at least the first radioor the second radio. A processor 228 of radio access provider 204 can becommunicatively connected with the first radio and the second radio andconfigured to perform operations described herein.

At 1002, radio access provider 204 can determine a first frequencysub-band 416 closer to the center of a common band 402 than a differentsecond frequency sub-band 422. This can be done, e.g., as describedabove with reference to overdimensioning.

At 1004, radio access provider 204 can select a first first-networkchannel 426 randomly from a plurality of candidate channels of the firstnetwork. This can be done, e.g., as described above with reference toblock 602.

At 1006, radio access provider 204 can determine respective channelquality values for individual candidate first-network channels based atleast in part on second-network usage data of the candidatefirst-network channels. This can be done, e.g., as discussed above withreference to block 606.

At 1008, radio access provider 204 can select a second first-networkchannel 428 from the candidate first-network channels based at least inpart on the channel quality values. This can be done, e.g., as discussedabove with reference to block 608. Any technique herein for selecting afirst first-network channel 426 can additionally or alternatively beused for selecting a second first-network channel 428.

At 1010, radio access provider 204 can receive, via the first radio andin the first frequency sub-band 416, control information of a firstnetwork having a first type. This can be done, e.g., as discussed abovewith reference to block 502.

At 1012, radio access provider 204 can transmit, via the second radioand in the second frequency sub-band 422, control information of asecond network having a second, different type. This can be done, e.g.,as discussed above with reference to block 504.

At 1014, radio access provider 204 can transmit, via the first radio,media information of the first network via the first and secondfirst-network channels 426 and 428 spaced apart in frequency within athird frequency sub-band 430. This can be done, e.g., as discussed abovewith reference to block 506.

At 1016, radio access provider 204 can transmit, via the second radio,media information of the second network via a second-network channel 434arranged in frequency between the first and second first-networkchannels 426 and 428 within the third frequency sub-band 430. This canbe done, e.g., as discussed above with reference to block 508.

Illustrative Results

An experiment was conducted using an LTE/GSM system operating in the1900 MHz band with 10 MHz uplink bandwidth and 10 MHz downlinkbandwidth. The LTE and GSM networks were overlaid. Frequency-selectivescheduling, PUCCH over-dimensioning, and random start point frequencyscheduling were used as described above, and the GSM network wasallocated only BCCHs and no TCHs. LTE user throughout increased by ˜3Mbps, while GSM DCR was comparable to the DCR before overlaying thenetworks. A second, similar experiment in a different city showedcomparable improvement in LTE user throughput.

CONCLUSION

Various aspects described above permit allocating channels, blocks,sub-bands, or other units of wireless transmission capacity to two ormore different networks operating in a common frequency band. In someexamples, LTE and GSM operations are overlapped within a single band. Asdiscussed above, technical effects of various examples can includeincreasing bandwidth utilization of a band and reducing the number ofbands required to provide service to a particular set of wirelessnetwork devices. Technical effects of using a single band can includereducing the power requirements and increasing the efficiency of the RFsubsystem in a wireless communication device, which can in turn reducepower draw or increase battery life of that device.

Example data transmissions or channels in FIG. 4 and example blocks inthe process diagrams of FIGS. 5-10 represent one or more operations thatcan be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof totransmit or receive described data or conduct described exchanges. Inthe context of software, the illustrated blocks and exchanges representcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the processors to transmit or receive the reciteddata. Generally, computer-executable instructions, e.g., stored inprogram modules that define operating logic, include routines, programs,objects, modules, components, data structures, and the like that performparticular functions or implement particular abstract data types. Exceptas expressly set forth herein, the order in which the transmissions oroperations are described is not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described transmissions or operationscan be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement theprocesses. Moreover, structures or operations described with respect toa single server or device can be performed by each of multiple devices,independently or in a coordinated manner, except as expressly set forthherein.

Other architectures can be used to implement the describedfunctionality, and are intended to be within the scope of thisdisclosure. Furthermore, although specific distributions ofresponsibilities are defined above for purposes of discussion, thevarious functions and responsibilities might be distributed and dividedin different ways, depending on particular circumstances. Similarly,software can be stored and distributed in various ways and usingdifferent means, and the particular software storage and executionconfigurations described above can be varied in many different ways.Thus, software implementing the techniques described above can bedistributed on various types of computer-readable media, not limited tothe forms of memory that are specifically described.

The word “or” is used herein in an inclusive sense unless specificallystated otherwise. Accordingly, conjunctive language such as the phrases“X, Y, or Z” or “at least one of X, Y or Z,” unless specifically statedotherwise, is to be understood as signifying that an item, term, etc.,can be either X, Y, or Z, or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, although the subject matter has been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms ofimplementing the claims. Moreover, in the claims, any reference to agroup of items provided by a preceding claim clause is a reference to atleast some of the items in the group of items, unless specificallystated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radio access provider, comprising: one or moreprocessing unit(s); and one or more computer-readable media havingthereon instructions executable to cause the processing unit(s) toperform operations comprising: receiving, in a first frequency sub-band,control information of a first network having a first type;transmitting, in a second, different frequency sub-band, controlinformation of a second network having a second, different type;transmitting media information of the first network via first and secondfirst-network channels spaced apart in frequency within a thirdfrequency sub-band; and transmitting media information of the secondnetwork via a second-network channel arranged in frequency between thefirst and second first-network channels within the third frequencysub-band.
 2. The radio access provider according to claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: selecting the first first-network channelrandomly from a plurality of candidate channels of the first network. 3.The radio access provider according to claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: selecting, as the second first-network channel, one ofa plurality of candidate channels closest to the first first-networkchannel and having a signal-quality value meeting a selected criterion.4. The radio access provider according to claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: selecting, as the first first-networkchannel, one of a plurality of candidate channels most different infrequency from the second-network channel.
 5. The radio access provideraccording to claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:determining respective channel quality values for individual candidatefirst-network channels based at least in part on second-network usagedata of the candidate first-network channels; and selecting the firstfirst-network channel from the candidate first-network channels based atleast in part on the channel quality values.
 6. The radio accessprovider according to claim 5, wherein the operations further comprise:receiving a device-specific channel quality value from a wirelesscommunication device of the first network; and determining at least oneof the channel quality values further based on the device-specificchannel quality value.
 7. The radio access provider according to claim1, wherein the operations further comprise: after transmitting the mediainformation of the first network via the first and second first-networkchannels, transmitting second media information of the first network viaa third first-network channel within the third frequency sub-banddifferent from the first and second first-network channels.
 8. The radioaccess provider according to claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: detecting interference in transmissions of the second network;and in response, reducing a reference-signal power of the first network.9. The radio access provider according to claim 1, wherein the thirdfrequency sub-band is disjoint from the second frequency sub-band. 10.The radio access provider according to claim 1, wherein the first typeis an LTE type and the second type is a GSM type.
 11. A radio accessprovider, comprising: a first radio and a second, different radio,wherein the first radio and the second radio are tuned to operate withina common frequency band; one or more antennas connected to at least thefirst radio or the second radio; and a processor communicativelyconnected with the first radio and the second radio and configured toperform operations comprising: receiving, via the first radio and in afirst frequency sub-band, control information of a first network havinga first type; transmitting, via the second radio and in a second,different frequency sub-band, control information of a second networkhaving a second, different type; transmitting, via the first radio,media information of the first network via first and secondfirst-network channels spaced apart in frequency within a thirdfrequency sub-band; and transmitting, via the second radio, mediainformation of the second network via a second-network channel arrangedin frequency between the first and second first-network channels withinthe third frequency sub-band.
 12. The radio access provider according toclaim 11, wherein the operations further comprise: selecting the firstfirst-network channel randomly from a plurality of candidate channels ofthe first network.
 13. The radio access provider according to claim 11,wherein the operations further comprise: selecting, as the firstfirst-network channel, one of a plurality of candidate channels mostdifferent in frequency from the second-network channel.
 14. The radioaccess provider according to claim 11, wherein the operations furthercomprise: after transmitting the media information of the first networkvia the first and second first-network channels, transmitting secondmedia information of the first network via a third first-network channelwithin the third frequency sub-band different from the first and secondfirst-network channels.
 15. The radio access provider according to claim11, wherein the operations further comprise: determining the firstfrequency sub-band closer to the center of a common band than the secondfrequency sub-band; selecting the first first-network channel randomlyfrom a plurality of candidate channels of the first network; determiningrespective channel quality values for individual candidate first-networkchannels based at least in part on second-network usage data of thecandidate first-network channels; and selecting the second first-networkchannel from the candidate first-network channels based at least in parton the channel quality values.
 16. A computer-implemented method,comprising: by a radio access provider: selecting a first channel of afirst access network for first media information, wherein the firstaccess network is of a first network type and operates in a first band;selecting a second channel of a second access network for second mediainformation, wherein the second access network is of a second, differentnetwork type and operates in the first band; selecting one or moreadditional channels of the first access network for the first mediainformation, each of the additional channels different in frequency fromthe second channel; and operating a first transceiver to wirelesslytransmit the first media information via the first channel and the oneor more additional channels; wherein: the first channel is associatedwith at least a first block; the second channel is associated with atleast a second block; and the first block differs from the second blockin at least one of: width in a frequency domain; or duration.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 16, further comprising,by the radio access provider, operating a second, different transceiverto wirelessly transmit the second media information via the secondchannel.
 18. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16,further comprising, by the radio access provider, selecting the firstchannel randomly from a plurality of candidate channels of the firstaccess network.
 19. The computer-implemented method according to claim16, further comprising, by the radio access provider: selecting a thirdchannel of the second access network, the third channel different infrequency from the second channel and at least partly overlapping infrequency with a conflict channel of the additional channels of thefirst access network; and after wirelessly transmitting the first mediainformation via the first channel and the one or more additionalchannels, operating the first transceiver to wirelessly transmit thefirst media information via the first channel and the one or moreadditional channels except for the conflict channel.
 20. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 16, further comprising,by the radio access provider: transmitting, in a first control channelin the first band, control information of the first access network; andreceiving, in a second, different control channel in the first band,control information of the second access network.
 21. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 16, further comprising,by the radio access provider, selecting the one or more additionalchannels of the first access network based at least in part oninformation of one or more second-access-network channels that are inuse.
 22. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16, whereinthe second channel is arranged in frequency between the first channeland at least one of the one or more additional channels.